I spent yesterday writing a new page, “Environment and Ethics” for the blog. Go and check it out! I just wanted to explain to you what it’s about and why I’ve introduced it. I use this blog to share my creative projects – I talk about food, clothes and DIY – but there’s another aspect of my life that’s been absent thus far. I spend a lot of time thinking about and trying to act towards reducing my negative impact on the world (and maybe even having a positive impact!) I don’t want my actions to cause harm to other people, animals, or the environment. Many of my beliefs are a product of the thinking I did during my Philosophy degree. See, Philosophy is a practical degree after all!

I dream of working in the environment sector one day, but I also try to make a difference by altering my lifestyle. For example, I’m a vegetarian, I try not to support shops or companies who treat their employees badly, and I reuse and recycle where possible. Lots of my clothes are second-hand, and lots of my projects recycle old materials. I’ve come to realise that these two parts of my life – my creative side and my commitment to living ethically and sustainably – are not all that separate. So much of what’s involved in making ethical and sustainable life choices requires creativity, and so many DIY projects have a positive impact! I’ve realised that this blog is a wonderful place to talk about ways to make one’s lifestyle more ethical and environmentally friendly.

So, there it is. I’ve created the Environment and Ethics page to highlight projects that are ethical and environmentally friendly. I had been worried about writing this page – I don’t want to sound preachy, or worse, like I think I know everything. Jessthetics is a place (hopefully) for sharing and inspiration, not a place for guilt or judgement! I am not always good at following my own rules, there are some things I’m not so sure about (I’ve kept my topshop/primark/leather clothes for example, even though I wouldn’t buy them from new anymore), and there are plenty of issues (probably more than I realise) that I’ve not even thought about. But all I can do is do my best! The introduction of this new page will document what I learn, and I hope you’ll stick around for the journey.

What an awesome idea! I’m also a vegetarian, and I try to live as ethically as possible. I think you’re approaching the topic from an honest and open place. None of us can know everything and we’re all still learning to try to do our best, and that’s exactly what we should do. I’m excited to snatch up some DIY ideas and other tips from this new area of the blog:)

Thanks for leaving such a darling comment on my blog!
I think it’s great, I’m a veggie for ethical reasons and mostly shop second hand as well – everything I can do in daily life to make less of a negative impact!

I agree with everyone here, this is a great initiative! I’m also trying to reduce my environmental footprint as much as possible, applying the reduce, reuse, recycle axiom, and I find it far from easy in this society tailored for consumerism. I hope you can find a job in the field of environment (it’s my field of study, tell me if I can help you with anything!) and I am really looking forward to see your ideas and tips! I hope this thread becomes a great sharing place for those little sustainable tips xxx

I’m going to follow this, it’s a great idea! I’m very happy that nowadays this kind of consciousness is becoming more and more widespread, and I try to do my part as well, by being a vegetarian for instance. I’m curious to see what you will write about!

Thanks for sharing this Jess!! I’m vegan for the same reasons and won’t touch anything leather or wool or using certain kinds of harmful plastic. I’ve basically given up with high street though – anything that uses harmful dyes, sweat shop labour or leather is out and that leaves me with certain brands in Urban Outfitters, River Island and American Apparel. So I pretty much only buy from charity shops or vintage!

I also try and avoid anything imported whether it’s clothes, books, fabrics, food etc. Planes are so bad for the environment! XX

Hello there! Nice to meet you, I'm Jess. Twenty-four. Edinburgh. Tree hugger. Obsessed with Halloween. I like elephants and bell bottoms and my bunny rabbit Archie. You can usually find me in the pub, watching Buffy, hunting down vegan junk food or crocheting on the sofa.